Central Balkans Explorer - 19 days

Begin your day with a leisurely morning in Sibiu, enjoying coffee on its charming cobbled streets. Explore the Astra National Museum Complex, one of Europe's largest open-air museums, showcasing traditional rural life. Journey through the Carpathian Mountains along the breathtaking Transfagarasan, renowned for its scenic beauty. Take a cable car ride to the stunning glacial Balea Lake, nestled among the peaks. Conclude the day in Sinaia, known as the 'Pearl of the Carpathians,' home to the famous Peles Castle.

After checking out from your hotel in Sinaia, embark on a delightful wine-tasting experience in the prestigious Dealu Mare wine region. Travel through expansive vineyards to reach a charming estate, where you'll savor exquisite wines. Conclude the day in Bucharest, Romania's vibrant capital, where you'll check into your hotel and have free time to explore the city's lively atmosphere.

Begin your day at the Open Air Ethnographic Museum Etar, where you'll explore historic water-powered installations and engage in traditional crafts. Continue to the Damascena Complex in the Valley of Roses, home to Bulgaria's first private rose factory. Discover the significance of roses in Bulgarian culture and enjoy an exclusive factory tour. Conclude your day in Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest cities, where you'll explore the Old Town and visit the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis.

Head south to Oplenac, where you'll visit the majestic royal mausoleum and one of Serbia's beautiful wineries. Embark on a royal wine journey through the enchanting Sumadija region, often called the 'Serbian Tuscany.' Taste exquisite wines crafted using traditional recipes. Continue to Zlatibor Mountain, home to Serbia's first royal resort. Enjoy a relaxing walk around the charming town center and indulge in Serbian cuisine at a traditional kafana.

After checking out, visit the ethno village of Drvengrad, built by renowned film director Emir Kusturica. Ride the retro 'Nostalgia' train along the Sargan Eight, a narrow-gauge heritage railway offering stunning mountain scenery. Continue to Visegrad, on the banks of the emerald Drina River, and explore the area near the famous UNESCO-protected bridge. After lunch, journey to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where you'll check in at the hotel.

Begin your Sarajevo sightseeing tour at Vjecna Vatra, a memorial dedicated to the city's WWII liberators. Savor the famous burek at a local bakery and stroll through the vibrant Ferhadiya pedestrian zone. Visit the stunning Sacred Heart Cathedral and a 16th-century Orthodox Church. Continue to Bascarsija, the heart of the old town, where you'll sample cevapi and experience the local coffee culture. Conclude your tour with a taste of heavenly baklava, before enjoying leisure time to explore Sarajevo at your own pace.

Begin your day at the local market in Trebinje, sampling local delicacies. Cross into Montenegro and visit Perast, a charming baroque-style settlement. Take a boat trip to the picturesque island of Our Lady of the Rocks. Continue to Kotor, an ancient Mediterranean town, where you'll explore its UNESCO site and cultural highlights. Conclude your day in Dubrovnik, one of Europe's best-preserved walled cities, where you'll check in to your hotel.

Enjoy a guided city tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town, celebrated as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic.' Explore Stradun, Placa Square, Pile Gate, and the Rector's Palace. Discover the City Walls and picturesque city port, uncovering hidden gems along the way. Spot filming locations from 'Game of Thrones' and dive into intriguing stories about the Republic of Ragusa. In the evening, set sail on a sunset cruise on the Karaka, a replica of a traditional 16th-century wooden galleon, admiring breathtaking views of the Old Town from the sea.